Struggling Rangers prepare shocking January move to solve scoring crisis

Rangers are having a worrying season in the Scottish Premiership, especially in attack. With only 17 goals scored in 12 matches, the same number as St. Johnstone, a team fighting against relegation, the squad urgently needs an offensive solution. In this context, Joe Gelhardt, a forward from Leeds United, emerges as a potential loan signing in the January transfer window.

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Rangers' weak spot

The numbers don't lie. Despite sitting near the top of the table, Rangers are struggling with offensive inefficiency. Cyriel Dessers, brought in to be the attacking focal point, has yet to deliver. Danilo faced a series of injuries that limited his contributions. Then there's Abdallah Sima, who is still adapting to the physical demands of the Scottish league.

Philippe Clement has publicly admitted these issues, and the club management appears to be working on rectifying this problem. Gelhardt's name, as mentioned by the Yorkshire Evening Post, is an interesting proposition, considering his background in England as a bright young talent. But is Gelhardt the right gamble for Rangers?

Who Is Joe Gelhardt?

At only 22 years old, Gelhardt has had his fair share of ups and downs in his career. He burst onto the scene at Wigan Athletic before moving to Leeds United. His time with the Whites has been marked by limited opportunities. This season, he's made just four substitute appearances in the EFL Championship and started once in the Carabao Cup back in August. In the 2023/24 campaign overall, he’s appeared in 10 matches, starting only twice.

These stats highlight a lack of playing time under manager Daniel Farke, but they don’t necessarily indicate a lack of talent. Gelhardt possesses technical skills, vision, and finishing ability, qualities that could prove invaluable for Rangers, particularly in a team struggling to convert possession into clear scoring chances.

For Gelhardt, a temporary move to Rangers could be the chance he needs to get his career up and running. The player has made it known that he would like to leave Leeds in search of more playing time, which has been sparse at Elland Road. His "enthusiasm" for a possible loan suggests he's ready to make the most of any opportunity.

From Rangers' perspective, bringing someone like Gelhardt in is a calculated risk, but it could pay off. He offers a fresh, versatile option in attack, which they desperately need. However, leaning so heavily on a player who is without match fitness might just backfire. Clement and the management must ask themselves whether Gelhardt is ready to bear the responsibility of an attack that needs immediate results.